<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Premature infants require intensive care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to prevent life-threatening complications. However, the care process not only impacts the infants but also imposes significant emotional and psychosocial challenges on mothers. This study aims to identify and explore the needs of mothers during the hospitalization of their premature infants in the NICU. A qualitative case study design was employed. Three mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU of Dr. Soediran Mangun Sumarso Hospital, Wonogiri, were purposively selected as participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD), then analyzed using a thematic approach. Seven main themes emerged concerning maternal needs: (1) emotional and spiritual needs, (2) limited access to the baby, (3) lack of practical care education, (4) the role of family support, (5) confusion in basic infant care, (6) the need for visual educational media, and (7) expectations for improved communication and hospital services. Conclusion: The needs of mothers during the NICU care of premature infants extend beyond technical aspects to encompass emotional, educational, and social support. Hospitals should develop more inclusive and family-responsive NICU care approaches to better address these needs. Keywords: NICU, Premature Infants, Maternal Needs, Family Nursing, Qualitative Approach. ABSTRAK Bayi prematur memerlukan perawatan intensif di ruang NICU untuk menghindari komplikasi yang mengancam keselamatan jiwa. Namun, proses perawatan tersebut tidak hanya berdampak pada bayi, melainkan juga pada ibu yang secara emosional dan psikososial mengalami tantangan besar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi dan mengeksplorasi kebutuhan ibu selama proses perawatan bayi prematur di ruang NICU. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus. Tiga ibu yang memiliki bayi prematur dan dirawat di ruang NICU RSUD dr. Soediran Mangun Sumarso Wonogiri menjadi partisipan, dipilih menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dan Focus Group Discussion (FGD), dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan tematik. Ditemukan tujuh tema utama terkait kebutuhan ibu: (1) kebutuhan emosional dan spiritual, (2) keterbatasan akses terhadap bayi, (3) kurangnya edukasi praktik perawatan, (4) peran dukungan keluarga, (5) kebingungan dalam perawatan dasar bayi prematur, (6) kebutuhan media edukasi visual, dan (7) harapan terhadap peningkatan komunikasi dan pelayanan rumah sakit. Kebutuhan ibu selama perawatan bayi prematur tidak hanya mencakup aspek teknis, tetapi juga mencakup kebutuhan emosional, edukatif, dan dukungan sosial. Rumah sakit perlu mengembangkan pendekatan pelayanan NICU yang lebih inklusif dan responsif terhadap kebutuhan keluarga pasien. Kata Kunci: NICU, Bayi Prematur, Kebutuhan Ibu, Keperawatan Keluarga, Pendekatan Kualitatif.]]>
